The Executive Secretary of the Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement Ghana (ADAM-GH), Azubila Salam Emmanuel, has announced that the organization has filed a case at the Supreme Court seeking a definitive interpretation of Article 66 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution amid growing public debate over a possible third presidential term.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr. Salam said the action was necessitated by escalating public commentary and political statements suggesting that a sitting president could seek office beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.
He explained that the suit, Case No. J1/4/2026, was filed under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction pursuant to Articles 2(1) and 130(1) of the Constitution, with the Attorney-General named as the defendant.
According to the writ, ADAM-GH is seeking several declarations, including that a presidential term in Ghana is four years, that no individual may serve more than two terms, whether consecutive or not, and that no circumstances— including breaks in service—permit a third term.
The organization is also asking the Court to declare that Parliament is prohibited from enacting any law or instrument that seeks to permit, recognize, or legitimize a third presidential term for anyone who has already served two terms.
Mr. Salam noted that while Article 66 appears clear, recent political debates—particularly comments attributed to senior government officials—have created uncertainty and tension within the polity, making judicial clarification necessary.
He stressed that the case is preventive rather than reactive, arguing that the Supreme Court has the authority to address anticipatory threats to constitutional democracy before any formal breach occurs.
“Allowing speculation around presidential term limits without judicial clarity risks confusion, division, and erosion of public confidence in our constitutional order,” he stated.
The ADAM-GH Executive Secretary warned that with the matter now before the Supreme Court, individuals who continue to make definitive pronouncements on the issue risk being cited for contempt of court.
He called on the media and civil society to support efforts to protect Ghana’s democratic stability, urging the public to exercise restraint until the Supreme Court delivers its ruling.
Mr. Salam emphasized that the case is not an attack on any individual or political party, but a constitutional safeguard to ensure that Ghana’s democratic gains are preserved and insulated from political manipulation.
